XCOPY /D Uses Universal Time, Not Local Time, to Filter Files

ID: Q194918

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 4.0
Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0

SYMPTOMS

The /D option of the XCOPY command does not specify local time. Instead, XCOPY /D copies all files created GMT 12:00 A.M. or later on the date specified. XCOPY /D: does not convert the entered date from local time to universal time before doing the copy.

For example, if the system is set for PDT (-7) and the following files exist in the Test folder


   TEST1.TMP  07/27/98  04:02p
   TEST2.TMP  07/27/98  05:02p
   TEST3.TMP  07/28/98  12:01a
   TEST4.TMP  07/28/98  12:02a

and the following command is entered

xcopy *.tmp d:\test\*.* /D:07-28-98

the following files are copied:


   TEST2.TMP  07/27/98  05:02p
   TEST3.TMP  07/28/98  12:01a
   TEST4.TMP  07/28/98  12:02a

CAUSE

XCOPY compares the date provided in the /D switch against the file date to determine which files to copy. In Windows NT, the file date is stored in Universal Time (GMT).

RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, obtain the latest service pack for Windows NT 4.0 or the individual software update. For information on obtaining the latest service pack, please go to:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/servicepacks/

Q152734 How to Obtain the Latest Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack

For information on obtaining the individual software update, contact Microsoft Product Support Services. For a complete list of Microsoft Product Support Services phone numbers and information on support costs, please go to the following address on the World Wide Web:

http://www.microsoft.com/support/supportnet/overview/overview.asp

NOTE: If this product was already installed on your computer when you purchased it from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and you need this fix, please call the Pay Per Incident number listed on the above Web site. If you contact Microsoft to obtain this fix, and if it is determined that you only require the fix you requested, no fee will be charged. However, if you request additional technical support, and if your no-charge technical support period has expired, or if you are not eligible for standard no-charge technical support, you may be charged a non-refundable fee.

For more information about eligibility for no-charge technical support, see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Q154871 Determining If You Are Eligible for No-Charge Technical Support

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows NT version 4.0. This problem was first corrected in Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 5.

Additional query words: 4.00

Keywords : kbbug4.00 kbfix4.00 nt4sp5fix
Version : WinNT:4.0
Platform : winnt
Issue type : kbbug